Jacob schibeeb



M y 1931. J. SCHIERER 1,807,557

LOCKING CLASP Filed June 3, 930

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INVENTQR J acob Schver er- ATTORNEY l atented May 26, 1931 PATENT OFFICE JACOB scnrsnnn, on NEW YORK, N. Y.

LOCKING CLASP Application filed June 3,

This invention relates to the class of devices known as seals or looking clasps, which are adapted to be used as a lock or seal to prevent the theft of articles, or the substitution of one article for another and also to be used for other purposes.

The device is of the type which may be used advantageously in conjunction with furs, garments, and other articles, which are delivered by one merchant to another for performance by the latter of some finishing work or operations thereon.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved device of the indicated character, embodying novel features of construction, enabling the device to be readily put into use, which will insure a proper look ing or sealing against detachment, separation or removal, which will enable the use of a tag or label and insure its being retained in connection therewith, and which will be of simple construction, and inexpensive of manufacture in large quantities.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device constructed in accordance with the invention in locked condition with a tag or label secured thereto;

Figure 2 is a section of the ends of the device showing the locking members;

Figure 3 is an inside view looking at one end of the device, as indicated by the arrows -33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an inside view looking at the other end of the device, as indicated by the arrows 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an enlarged section taken on the line 55 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a section showing a modification;

Figure 7 is a section showing a further modification.

The device of the present invention isconstructed from a single piece of material, and the material used is preferably very thin metal, such as sheet steel, copper or tin. This metal is cut into the form of a strip 10 from which the other features of construction of the device hereinafter described are developed. One end of the strip 10 has stamped 1930. Serial no. 459,101.

or pressed therefrom to be formed integral therewith a tubular member 11,-in the form of a socket, and having a relatively enlarged or conical base portion 12. The end section of the striphaving the tubular member 11 is folded back on the intermediate section of the strip thereby presenting an inner end portion 13 which carries the tubular member 11 and an outer end portion'14. The end portion 14 serves as a closing portion for the base opening of the tubular member 11. The end portion 14 of the strip has upstruck therefrom an elongated member or tongue 15, which is projected into the tubular member 11 and which is also engaged, bent or hooked, as at 16, around the entrance end edge of a tubular member 11, for a purpose to be explained. The opposite end of the strip 10 has a tubular member 17 pressed out or stamped therefrom to be formed integral therewith. The end section having the tubular member 17 is also folded back on the intermediate section of the strip 10 to present an inner end portion 18 and an outer end portion 19. The outer end portion 19 serves as a closing portion for the base opening of the related tubular member 17. The end portion 19 has upstruck therefrom an elongated member or tongue 20, which is pro-. jected into the tubular member 17, and is engaged, bent or hooked, as at 21, around the remaining end of the tubular member 17. The inner end portions 13 and 18, respectively, overlie the outer end portions 14 and 19 of the strip, and are so retained by the tongues 15 and 20. The tubular member 17 is in the form of a plug receivable in the tubular member 11 which, as stated, is in the form of a socket. The tubular members 11 and 17' are adapted to interlock when brought into engagement with each other by applying pressure thereon, as shown in Figure 5.

On reference to Figure 5, it will be apparent that the members or tongues 15 and 20 prevent the inner end portions 13 and 18 from being pried apart or separated from the outer end portions 14 and 19. It will also be apparent that the outer end portions 14 and 19 prevent the insertion of an implement 7 or tool into the tubular members 11 and 17 when the device is in a locked condition thereby preventing the separation or detachment of the device from an article to which it is applied.

In accordance with another feature of the invention one of the inner end portions, the inner end portion 18 in the present instance, is provided with a hole or opening 22 for the reception of atag or label cord. In this connection it is to be observed that the cord 23 will be provided with a knot 24' after the ends thereof have been passed through the hole or opening 22. The ends of the cord 23 will be disposed between the end portions 18 and 19 with the knot 24 disposed in the tubular member 17. In this way a tag or label 25 may be connected by the cord 23 with the device, and be retained in connection therewith against detachment.

As shown in Figure 6, the plug form of tubular member 17 may be closed, as at 26. In other respects the construction is similar to that shown in Figure 2 and similar reference numerals are applied to corresponding 1: parts.

In Figure 7, the socket form of tubular member 11 may be provided with a protuberance at the base end thereof, the same being pressed from the outer end portion 14 of the strip, to further increase the positive looking or fastening of the locking tubular mem bers when brought into engagement with each other by applying pressure thereon. In other respects the construction is similar to that shown in Figure 2, and similar reference numerals are applied to corresponding parts.

lVhat is claimed is:

1. In a locking clasp, a strip, a pair of tubular members arranged respectively on the opposite endsof said strip, said tubular members being adapted to interlock when brought into engagement with each other by applying pressure thereon, each end of the strip being folded back on the intermediate section of the strip, whereby the base opening of the related tubular member will be closed by said intermediate section, and a member struck from said intermediate section and projected into one of said tubular members are arator to lockin said tubular memthe related socket and plug members, said socket member and plug member being adapted to interlock when brought into engagement with each other by applying pressure thereon.

3. In a locking clasp, a strip of metal having a locking tubular member on one end thereof, the said end portion being folded upon itself to present a closing portion for vthe open base portion of said tubular member. and an obstructing member integral with said strip which projects through said tubular member and which is bent over the entrance end of said tubular member.

4. In a locking clasp, a strip of metal folded upon itself to provide inner and outer end portions overlying each other, a tubular locking member de eioped from the material of the innerend portion, and a member integral with said outer end portion which projects through said locking memoer and which has its free end engaged over the edge of said locking member.

JACOB SCHIERER. 

